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In summer getting around Furano on foot or via bicycle is an ideal option to see the area. In winter we strongly recommend using the local tour buses, courtesy buses or taxis for travelling any longer distances due to the cold temperatures. The most convenient mode of transport are taxis, with fares to downtown Furano about 1,000 to 1,500 yen.
During the ski season, we offer a complimentary grocery shopping shuttle twice weekly. Please check with our staff for details.
Walking around Kitanomine in both summer and winter can be very rewarding. It is the perfect way to discover hidden restaurants, bars and bakeries. The township is very eclectic and offers visitors an insight into rural Japan. We recommend wearing warm clothing in winter and only walking in footwear designed for the snow. Although they may not be the latest fashion statement in Paris, “gumboots” or wellingtons with a warm thermal lining are ideal in the deep powder in winter. In summer the moderate climate is conducive to long walks and hikes. In fact the summer, spring and early autumn weather beckons guests to stroll around the village and downtown Furano.
Furano is served by two main taxi companies, who both operate year round. Usually taxis can be found waiting in front of the Furano JR railway station or alternatively you can order a taxi over the phone. In winter we recommend walking long distances in the very cold temperatures so taxis are an ideal option. There is a minimum flag fall charge of ¥530 and then ¥260 per km. The local taxis also offer an hourly hiring service for passengers wising to visit some of Furano tourist attractions. Taxis can usually transport up to 4 guests. Details of the prices can be found in the table below.
| Hire Period | 1.5 hrs | 2 hrs | 3 hrs | 4 hrs | Extra 30 min |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | ¥8,100 | ¥10,800 | ¥16,200 | ¥21,600 | ¥4,000 |
| From | To | Distance | Taxi | ||
| Kitanomine | Furano Township | ≈1.5 km | ≈¥800 | ||
| Kitanomine | Furano New Prince | ≈2.7 km | ≈¥1000 | ||
| Kitanomine | Highland Onsen | ≈7.5 km | ≈¥2400 | ||
| Kitanomine | Farm Tomita | ≈10.0 km | ≈¥2800 | ||
| Kitanomine | Tokachidake Hot Spring | ≈35.0 km | ≈¥8000 | ||
Furano Bus operates two lines which connect to Kitanomine year-round, "Lavender Go" and "Goryo-Sen". The closest stop is the Naturwald Hotel, just two doors down from our apartments. During the peak winter season, the resort often operates a Downtown Shuttle bus offering a number of convenient stops through the dining and nightlife districts. In summer, the "Kururu Bus" offers a loop route linking up some of the most popular sightseeing spots. We recommend checking the current schedules when you arrive as they are subject to change.
| From Furano JR Station to Kitanomine | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JR Furano Station | 11:10 | 12:20 | 13:30 | 14:30 | 16:35 | 17:50 | 18:50 | 20:50 |
| Naturwald Furano | 11:19 | 12:29 | 13:39 | 14:39 | 16:44 | 17:59 | 18:59 | 20:59 |
| From Kitanomine to Furano JR Station | ||||||||
| Hotel Naturwald | 7:21 | 8:31 | 9:41 | 10:41 | 12:51 | 14:01 | 15:01 | 17:01 |
| JR Furano Station | 7:30 | 8:40 | 9:50 | 10:50 | 13:00 | 14:10 | 15:10 | 17:10 |
Travelling around Furano in summer on a bicycle is the ideal way to view the spectacular scenery and take in the crisp clean air. Several bike shops can be found in Furano and Kitanomine. Typically the prices for bicycle hire starts at a ¥2000 an hour. Most of the bicycle shops provide a guest cloak service, even for customers who don’t hire a bicycle. They offer luggage storage for approximately ¥300. When hiring a bicycle it is important to check with locals the direction and distance you intend to ride as there are some steep inclines around the Furano region. MTB Hokkaido also offer tours around the Furano area through rolling lavender fields that we highly recommend.
| Furano Office | Furano Apartments & Chalet Direct Phone No: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Address: | 14-26 Kitanomine, Furano, | Apt #1: | 1 BR Japanese Bath | +81 (0) 167 23 6481 |
| Hokkaido, Japan, 076-0034 | Apt #2: | 2 BR Mid Floor (Kitanomine) | +81 (0) 167 23 6482 | |
| Telephone: | +81 (0) 167 23 4738 | Apt #3: | Studio Mid Floor | +81 (0) 167 23 6483 |
| Fax: | +81 (0) 167 22 1089 | Apt #4: | Studio Fire Place | +81 (0) 167 23 6484 |
| Email: | furano@freshpowder.com | Apt #6: | 2 BR Top Floor (Tokachidake) | +81 (0) 167 23 6486 |
| Web: | www.furanofreshpowder.com | Chalet: | 5 BR Parkside | +81 (0) 167 23 5624 |
| Niseko Office | Niseko Apartments Direct Phone No: | |||
| Address: | 183-38, Aza Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, | Apt #1: | 3 BR Creek Side | +81 (0) 136 22 3687 |
| Niseko Hirafu, Hokkaido, Japan 044-0081 | Apt #2: | 3 BR Mountain view | +81 (0) 136 22 3707 | |
| Telephone: | +81 (0) 136 22 3807 | Apt #3: | 2 BR Top Floor | +81 (0) 136 22 3763 |
| Fax: | +81 (0) 167 22 1089 | Apt #4: | Studio Top Floor | +81 (0) 136 22 3801 |
| Email: | bookings@freshpowder.com | Apt #5: | 1 BR Top Floor | +81 (0) 136 22 3806 |
| Web: | www.nisekofreshpowder.com | Office: | Downstairs | +81 (0) 136 22 3807 |
| General Enquiries | Emergency Contact - Staff Mobile | |||
| Telephone: | +81 (0) 167 23 4738 | Mobile #1: | +81-90-6212-6913 | |
| Email: | info@freshpowder.com | Mobile #2: | +81-90-7517-8467 | |
| Web: | www.nisekofreshpowder.com | |||